The Melbourne Police Department has launched “Operation BUSted” — a new traffic-safety campaign aimed at keeping children safe by reducing the number of cars and other vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses.

“Our officers are working with drivers to make sure they know what the law requires and the dangers associated with noncompliance, both in terms of potential fines and penalties, as well as the high likelihood they could injure a child – or worse,” said Sgt. Daniel Desormier, Melbourne Police Department Traffic Unit Supervisor.

In early February Melbourne Police Officers began visiting the car loops at each elementary and middle school in Melbourne to share safety information and answer questions about rules regarding passing stopped school buses. These efforts will be completed this week with outreach to student drivers at each of the city’s three high schools. The next phase will be to step up enforcement at school bus stops citywide.

Stopping for School Buses Law

State law requires drivers to stop for stopped school buses as follows:

Two-lane roadway:
When school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.

Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane:
When school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.

Four-lane roadway without median separation:
When school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.

Divided roadway of four lanes or more with a median separation:
When school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.

Fines/Penalties

In Brevard County, the fine for passing a stopped school that displays a stop signal is $274.00 and four points on your driver license. A person who passes a stopped school bus on the side that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop signal is subject to a mandatory court hearing.